Agriculture Studies in Israel for M.Sc. Degree in English

Academic institutions in Israel invite you to participate in international programs, earn credits or complete your degree. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to see the sites, to meet new people from all around the world, to hear Hebrew and Arabic, and to come to a closer understanding of Israeli society.

Studying Agriculture in Israel for Master's Degree

Nature and Technology Come Together

Despite its dry climate, the crop yield in Israel is among the highest in the world, due to the use of innovative research and developments. Israel's different regions are home to various types of corps. Surprisingly, the desert areas in Israel (Negev and Arava) are some of the most blooming and (literally) fruitful areas in the country. In addition, Israel is a leading country in terms of livestock breeding and milk production. The productive agriculture industry is the result of the use of brackish water, advanced irrigation systems and other new technologies.

Different schools in Israel offer master's degree programs in agriculture, in English. You can study and experience Israel farming techniques. Moreover, you get the chance to live in Israel, see the sites and meet people from all around the world.

Study Programs

In English MA study programs in Israel there are two main areas of specialization in agriculture: plants sciences and animal sciences. All master's students must take part in theoretical classes as well as gaining practical experience in seminars and labs. The students must complete a research exercise, which may become the basis of their thesis if they choose to complete one.

Duration

Israeli institution offer one-year (three semesters) or a two year (four semesters) tracks. In case students choose to complete a thesis their tracks are extended for an additional year. The tracks are full-time, which means it is not advisable to work during the studies.

Curriculum

In programs focusing on crops, the studies include courses in horticulture, irrigation and plant sciences. In the animal science program the focus will be on biology.

Among the courses:

* Topics in Animal Physiology

* Genetics and Breeding of Farm Animals

* Animal Health

* Biochemistry

* Molecular Biology

* Irrigation Systems

* Greenhouse Crop Production

* Pest Management

Admission

In these M.Sc. programs, candidates must complete their undergraduate studies in biology, biotechnology, agriculture, animal sciences, food sciences or any of the related fields with a GPA of 80 or above. In case students are not from an English speaking country, they must take an English proficiency exam such as TOEFL (with a score of 89) or IELTS (6.7). Candidates must submit three letters of recommendation, and relevant experience is also taken under account.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fees for a one-year track are approx. $17,000. In a two-year track the tuition fees are approx. $8,000 per year. Candidates may apply for scholarships based on their academic achievements. In addition, there are several international institutions that offer scholarships in the areas, mainly for students from developing countries.

Universities' Departments of Agriculture in Israel

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem – offers one-year tracks that allow you to specialize in one of the following fields: crop production, nutritional sciences, animal sciences or horticulture. Another option is to tailor a program to your specific needs with the help and guidance of a research supervisor from the relevant department. Aside from the fields mentioned earlier, the Hebrew University also holds a M.Sc. program in viticulture & oenology, including internships in Israeli wineries.

Ben Gurion University of the Negev (Be'er Sheva) – offers M.Sc. programs in desert studies. Students may specialize in agriculture and biotechnology for sustainable development, irrigation and plant environment or the ecology of dry lands. During their studies, they may also attend elective courses from other areas of desert studies: solar energy and environmental physics, environmental and aquatic microbiology and environmental studies. Read more about: Environment M.Sc. Programs in Israel.

Weizmann Institute of Science (Rehovot) – offers two-year tracks in Plant Sciences as part of Life Sciences M.Sc. All Weizmann Students are required to write a thesis. In addition, all students receive a full scholarship, covering their tuition fees, and are expected to dedicate all their time for research.